Majestic Beauties is a pageant that makes life beautiful for everyone involved. The beauty pageant emphasizes the positive side of pageantry and natural beauty while benefitting someone in need.

This year, funds raised from the Majestic Beauties Pageant & Baby Contest will benefit Kanisha Mance. Two years ago, Ms. Mance was diagnosed with Demyelinating Disease, a form of Multiple Sclerosis. Thirty-years-old and the mother of a small son, Ms. Mance has to live daily with the effects of MS, including impairments of sensation, movement, cognition and other functions.

"Kanisha is our 2010 recipient, not because she is weak, but because despite everything she has gone through, she is still able to look at each day with hope and determination," said Delena Reese, organizer of Majestic Beauties.

Ms. Reese organized the first Majestic Beauties Pageant in 2008 to benefit Alison Inglett, the sister of Ms. Reese's coworker, who had been shot while sleeping in her bed and left paralyzed. Ms. Reese enjoyed the pageant so much that she is excited about doing it again.

The Majestic Beauties pageant is for girls only. The age divisions include Baby Miss for 0-18 months, Toddler Miss for 19-35 months, Wee Miss for 3-4 years, Tiny Miss for 5-6 years, Little Miss for 7-9 years, Junior Miss for 10-12 years, Teen Miss for 13-15 years and Miss for 16-19 years.

According to Ms. Reese, all contestants up to 9-years-old should wear a party or church dress, white shoes and white socks. Contestants 10 and older should wear a party, prom or church dress, keeping glitz to a minimum, with age-appropriate shoes. Makeup is not allowed on girls younger than 4, and should be kept to a minimum on girls ages 5-12. Hair pieces, wigs, wiglets and flippers are not allowed.

"We are more concerned with the natural beauty, personality, poise and stage presence," Ms. Reese said.

There will be one winner and three alternates in each age division. Ms. Reese said the winner will receive a beautiful tiara, banner and plaque.

Each alternate will receive a special gift and plaque. All others will receive a gift so that no one leaves empty handed.

Entries must be received by Wednesday, Oct. 13 and must be accompanied by a $30 non-refundable deposit. The remaining $35 entry fee may be paid at the door.

The pageant is at 3 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 14 at the Thomson Depot. Admission is $3. All proceeds go to Ms. Mance.